People sought to become consumer representatives

MidCentral District Health Board and the Central Primary Health Organisation are increasingly using consumers to help develop and improve their health services.

The organisations are seeking people to work alongside the Consumer Council as consumer representatives, which will contribute to several working parties and the redesign of some services.

Consumer representatives consider strategic service improvements, with representatives sitting on various governance and service groups.

Consumer Council chairman John Hannifin said consumers were already involved in projects to set up a new pain service, to improve renal (kidney) health services, to improve the Emergency Department service and in the Spiritual Care Service.

“The DHB is in the process of moving to a new model of care and putting in place a new way of delivering all of its services,” he said.

MidCentral DHB has created seven clusters. These are:

Mental Health and Addictions — Uru Rauhı¯

Cancer Screening, Treatment and Support — Uru Ma¯ tai Matengau

Healthy Women Children and Youth — Uru Pa¯ -Harakeke

Acute and Elective Specialist Services — Uru Arotau

Healthy Ageing and Rehabilitation — Uru Whakamauora

Primary, Public and Community Health — Uru Kiriora

‘The

DHB is in the process of moving to a new model of care and putting in place a new way of delivering all of its ’ services.

— John Hannifin, Consumer Council chairman

Hauora Ma¯ ori — Paiaka Whaiora “We need help from a diverse range of people, perspectives and experiences to make these services more focused on the consumers, so if you are interested in becoming involved, please apply, “Hannifin said.

■ Individuals residing in the MidCentral area can apply to be a consumer representative by clicking here for an online application, or for a paper application, email consumercouncil@midcentraldhb.govt.nz.